To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Forestry Note: #5
Tornado Damage - Helping Trees Recover
A Guide for Oklahoma Landowners
The devastating tornados of 2013 damaged forests and community trees in many parts of Oklahoma. Many lost
branches and stems while others were toppled over or completely blown away. Evergreens and hardwoods
were affected, from young stands to mature trees with large crowns. The tornados killed many trees outright by
uprooting them and completely stripping their bark, but many damaged trees can survive if given the right care.
Don’t make hasty decisions! There are things that can be done to help many damaged trees recover.
Practice Safety First! Homeowners who work on their own trees should use extreme caution. Working with
chainsaws or other tree care equipment and removing large trees or limbs is dangerous. Broken branches or
leaning trees can be easily dislodged by the wind so wear safety gear. Do not climb a ladder with a chain saw.
Do not climb into a heavily damaged tree and never touch any tree near electric wires. Assess your particular
tree situation carefully and watch for safety hazards. Most tree work needs to be done by trained professionals,
especially when the work requires climbing or the tree is leaning against another tree or structure, or where
falling debris might put you or your property at risk.
Eliminate immediate hazards first: Remove dead trees; trees leaning
severely; trees with broken, twisted or cracked stems; trees with extensive
broken roots; and any large dead or broken limbs that are still attached to the
tree. Landowners with acreage should complete a damage assessment
before salvaging any forest stands. Unfortunately, downed or damaged trees
that could be salvaged will lose their value within a few months because of
decay and discoloration. Marketing salvaged material will be more
challenging because of the sheer volume of damaged trees in the region.
Hire an arborist: Hire a qualified arborist to get individual tree care work
done properly and safely. Trained arborists are aware of proper pruning and
removal procedures and can reduce the chance of further damage to the tree.
Check to see that they are certified and ask for certificates of insurance,
including proof of liability for personal and property damage and workman’s compensation. Also request local
references and get more than one estimate if possible.
Prevent additional damage: After the trees have begun to recover, you may want to do additional pruning to
improve their appearance and further reduce hazards. If the top has been broken but the tree is otherwise
salvageable, prune the top back to a strong lateral branch. Damaged branches should be pruned back to the
branch collar using the “three-step method” shown below to minimize further injury. Topping or “de-horning” a
tree generally leads to tree decline and increased maintenance needs, so avoid these destructive practices.

Forestry Note: #5
Tornado Damage - Helping Trees Recover
A Guide for Oklahoma Landowners
The devastating tornados of 2013 damaged forests and community trees in many parts of Oklahoma. Many lost
branches and stems while others were toppled over or completely blown away. Evergreens and hardwoods
were affected, from young stands to mature trees with large crowns. The tornados killed many trees outright by
uprooting them and completely stripping their bark, but many damaged trees can survive if given the right care.
Don’t make hasty decisions! There are things that can be done to help many damaged trees recover.
Practice Safety First! Homeowners who work on their own trees should use extreme caution. Working with
chainsaws or other tree care equipment and removing large trees or limbs is dangerous. Broken branches or
leaning trees can be easily dislodged by the wind so wear safety gear. Do not climb a ladder with a chain saw.
Do not climb into a heavily damaged tree and never touch any tree near electric wires. Assess your particular
tree situation carefully and watch for safety hazards. Most tree work needs to be done by trained professionals,
especially when the work requires climbing or the tree is leaning against another tree or structure, or where
falling debris might put you or your property at risk.
Eliminate immediate hazards first: Remove dead trees; trees leaning
severely; trees with broken, twisted or cracked stems; trees with extensive
broken roots; and any large dead or broken limbs that are still attached to the
tree. Landowners with acreage should complete a damage assessment
before salvaging any forest stands. Unfortunately, downed or damaged trees
that could be salvaged will lose their value within a few months because of
decay and discoloration. Marketing salvaged material will be more
challenging because of the sheer volume of damaged trees in the region.
Hire an arborist: Hire a qualified arborist to get individual tree care work
done properly and safely. Trained arborists are aware of proper pruning and
removal procedures and can reduce the chance of further damage to the tree.
Check to see that they are certified and ask for certificates of insurance,
including proof of liability for personal and property damage and workman’s compensation. Also request local
references and get more than one estimate if possible.
Prevent additional damage: After the trees have begun to recover, you may want to do additional pruning to
improve their appearance and further reduce hazards. If the top has been broken but the tree is otherwise
salvageable, prune the top back to a strong lateral branch. Damaged branches should be pruned back to the
branch collar using the “three-step method” shown below to minimize further injury. Topping or “de-horning” a
tree generally leads to tree decline and increased maintenance needs, so avoid these destructive practices.